Tramway pylons showing their age

Elements of the old tram park pylons in the main car park at Roundhay Park are to be removed in the week starting Monday, May 31, as they have suffered severe corrosion and now need to be taken down for safety reasons.

The pylons are some of the few remaining elements of the former tramway which ran from Leeds city centre to Roundhay Park before their operation ended in November 1959.

The tramway made history when it opened in 1891 as it was the first public electric tram using an overhead power system anywhere in Britain.

The pylons have been recently inspected and due to their condition they are to be removed.

Work is expected to take up to three days, and engineers will then assess whether they can be repaired or need to be replaced. It is hoped they can be repaired due their historical significance.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure, Coun John Procter said: "These pylons are an important part of Leeds history but sadly time has led to them breaking down so they must be taken down as public safety is obviously our prime consideration."